Imaging Physics & Engineering
Lead Research Organisation:
MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Medical imaging remains a challenging area of research. The past 20 years have seen a revolution in our ability to look inside the body to detect disease and for scientific study. The Imaging Physics and Engineering group is dedicated to developing novel imaging technologies and to improving the information that can be obtained from these. Such improvements continue to have a major impact on the diagnosis and management of disease and in the study of disease processes. We are most focused on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), but also work with Ultrasound and other non-invasive approaches. The group consists of scientists, engineers and computer scientists working closely with collaborators from medicine, biology and other science based groups. We explore and develop new technologies, methods and computational algorithms for image acquisition and data analysis. Areas of interest include fetal imaging, dynamic imaging of the heart and blood vessels, exploration of novel magnetic materials for imaging technologies of the future, development and exploitation of multi-channel systems for faster imaging and for combating artefacts caused by patient motion during scanning sessions, image analysis and use of distributed computing to allow large scale collaborations between different centres engaged in multi-centre and multi-disciplinary work, safety studies modelling effects of time varying magnetic fields on the human body. The group has thrived on collaborative research and tries to maximally exploit the opportunities of having physical scientists embedded in a biomedical environment.
Technical Summary
This group explores the science and technology of medical imaging. Developments in imaging can have far reaching benefits for medical diagnosis, treatment guidance and monitoring, and as a scientific tool for exploring the both structure and function in living systems. We primarily work on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and are interested in extracting more and/or higher quality information by using novel technologies, techniques and algorithms for data acquisition and processing. We also have interests in Ultrasound imaging research and in emerging computational methods that allow data analyses and collaborative working between individuals and groups that have hitherto been impossible or completely impractical. The group installed the first cryomagnet-based system in the world and continues to implement new systems, coils, pulse sequences, image processing techniques and other methods for improving imaging and spectroscopy. A typical problem we are currently working on is imaging the fetal brain. The aim is to achieve high resolution 3D images of the developing human brain in utero using completely non-invasive methods in a time frame that is tolerable for the mother. The challenge arises from the movement of both the mothers abdomen and the fetus within it, which limits conventional approaches to obtaining snapshot slices that provide incomplete and inconsistent coverage of the brain. Using a combination of knowledge of the MRI acquisition process and advanced computational techniques we have achieved anatomical images that rival results conventional brain imaging of sedated neonates. Our methods are now being tested in clinical research. Early results suggest that this type of imaging could contribute to clinical care of problem pregnancies as well as providing a new observational window on a critical phase of human brain development. A key research opportunity is in exploring the effects of preterm birth on brain development. Other research interests include exploration of novel meta-materials with exotic magnetic properties that may form part of a next generation scanner technology, multi-channel MRI systems and their application to improving MR Images particularly by combating artefacts caused by patient motion, acceleration of imaging by exploiting data redundancy in dynamic imaging studies, and safety studies modelling effects of time varying magnetic fields on the human body. The group has extensive collaborations with clinical and scientific colleagues both within the CSC and Imperial as well as at other universities and in industry. This allows rapid exploitation of new developments and supports a wide ranging interdisciplinary research programme. Funding is broadly based, from the MRC, other UK research councils, charities and industry. Research output leads to scientific publications, patents and recently a spinout company, IXICO that provides image analysis services to the Pharmaceutical industry.
Organisations
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, United Kingdom (Lead Research Organisation)
- University College London, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- CERMEP Imaging Centre (Collaboration)
- University of Liverpool, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Imperial College London, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Medical Research Council (Collaboration)
- Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Joseph V Hajnal (Principal Investigator) |
Publications

A Rowland
(2004)
Theory and Performance of Mean Field Techniques Applied to Structural MRI
in Proceedings of Distributed Databases and Processing in Medical Image Computing (DiDaMIC)

Adams EW
(2004)
Increased lung water and tissue damage in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
in The Journal of pediatrics

Aljabar P
(2007)
Classifier selection strategies for label fusion using large atlas databases.
in Medical image computing and computer-assisted intervention : MICCAI ... International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention

Aljabar P
(2009)
Multi-atlas based segmentation of brain images: atlas selection and its effect on accuracy.
in NeuroImage

Aljabar P
(2010)
Combining morphological information in a manifold learning framework: application to neonatal MRI.
in Medical image computing and computer-assisted intervention : MICCAI ... International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention

Aljabar P
(2008)
Assessment of brain growth in early childhood using deformation-based morphometry.
in NeuroImage

Aljabar P
(2005)
Interpolation artefacts in non-rigid registration
in MEDICAL IMAGE COMPUTING AND COMPUTER-ASSISTED INTERVENTION - MICCAI 2005, PT 2

Aljabar P
(2005)
Interpolation artefacts in non-rigid registration.
in Medical image computing and computer-assisted intervention : MICCAI ... International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention

Anjari M
(2009)
The association of lung disease with cerebral white matter abnormalities in preterm infants.
in Pediatrics
Description | MRI safety - 2008 |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a national consultation |
Impact | Contributed to re-appraisal of proposed EU directive |
Description | MRI safety 2009 |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in advisory committee |
Impact | Contributed to re-appraisal of proposed EU directive |
Description | UK BioImaging strategy group |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a national consultation |
Description | Action Medical Research, Project Grant |
Amount | £121,635 (GBP) |
Organisation | Action Medical Research |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2007 |
End | 03/2009 |
Description | Collaboration in science |
Amount | £4,000,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 201526/Z/16/Z |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Development Pathway Funding Scheme |
Amount | £548,666 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/N027949/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | EPSRC Project Grant EP/D050766/1 RF power absorption and temperature changes in mother/fetus and neonates associated with MRI examinations |
Amount | £246,619 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/D050766/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2006 |
End | 06/2009 |
Description | EPSRC Project Grant EP/D503795/1 High Performance RF Metamaterials |
Amount | £474,256 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/D503795/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2006 |
End | 08/2009 |
Description | EPSRC Project Grant EP/F011830/1 Computational Morphometry of the Developing Cortex - shared with M Rutherford |
Amount | £286,543 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/F011830/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2009 |
End | 03/2011 |
Description | EPSRC healthcare partnership EP/I000445/1 Computer aided diagnosis of neurological damage to improve care for infants born prematurely - shared with M Rutherford |
Amount | £511,739 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/I000445/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2010 |
End | 11/2014 |
Description | EPSRC programme grant EP/H046410/1 Intelligent Imaging: Motion, Form and Function Across Scale |
Amount | £6,011,429 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/H046410/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2010 |
End | 03/2015 |
Description | European Society for Pediatric Research Consolidator Grant |
Amount | € 75,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Society Paediatric Research |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Switzerland |
Start | 02/2018 |
End | 02/2019 |
Description | GSK Project Grant |
Amount | £655,497 (GBP) |
Organisation | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) |
Sector | Private |
Country | Global |
Start | 09/2006 |
End | 09/2008 |
Description | IEH Grant |
Amount | £10,000,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2014 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | MRC Strategic Grant |
Amount | £7,287,951 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2012 |
End | 03/2016 |
Description | MRC Strategic Grant |
Amount | £932,340 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2009 |
End | 03/2012 |
Description | PROJECT GRANT |
Amount | £174,035 (GBP) |
Funding ID | GN2630 |
Organisation | Action Medical Research |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2018 |
End | 10/2020 |
Description | Project Grant |
Amount | £633,226 (GBP) |
Organisation | National Institute for Health Research |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2008 |
End | 03/2012 |
Description | Strategic Grant - the Develping Brain |
Amount | £7,278,954 (GBP) |
Funding ID | MR/K006355/1 |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2012 |
End | 03/2016 |
Description | Synergy Grant |
Amount | € 14,900,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Research Council (ERC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | Belgium |
Start | 09/2013 |
End | 09/2019 |
Description | Wellcome Centre |
Amount | £12,100,395 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 203148/Z/16/Z |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2017 |
End | 07/2022 |
Description | Wellcome Trust Equipment Grant |
Amount | £633,226 (GBP) |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2008 |
End | 03/2012 |
Title | IXI cohort |
Description | Database of MRI images of normal adult subjects |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of Data/Biological Samples |
Year Produced | 2007 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Provides data for others to use in their research |
Title | Naeonatal Atlas |
Description | 4D atlas of the neonatal brain |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of Data/Biological Samples |
Year Produced | 2009 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | provides spatial priors for analysis methods operating on the neonatal brain |
Description | Brain analysis - DoC, Imperial |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Department | Department of Computing |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Access to data and significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise and compute resources |
Impact | 19815080 19526505 19272356 19245840 19015039 18982587 18500985 18051100 18051099 18051039 18044611 18044561 17964459 17919930 17888685 17696128 17649910 17633705 17428687 17354950 17354848 17354834 17167996 16860573 20969966 20879376 20382238 20114082 20114079 19815080 |
Description | Brain analysis - Lyon |
Organisation | CERMEP Imaging Centre |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Significant Intellectual Input |
Impact | 19815080 19245840 18500985 18051099 18044611 17428687 17354848 17354834 16860573 20382238 20114082 20114079 19815080 |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Cognitive Neuroimaging Group |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Department | MRC Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Intellectual input |
Impact | 19238472 |
Description | Metamaterials |
Organisation | University of Liverpool |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Experimental data, apparatus, significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Significant Intellectual Input |
Impact | 11157159, 19461782 Title: Chiral Swiss rolls show a negative refractive index Author(s): Wiltshire, MCK; Pendry, JB; Hajnal, JV Source: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER Volume: 21 Issue: 29 Article Number: 292201 Published: 2009 Title: An effective medium description of 'Swiss Rolls', a magnetic metamaterial Author(s): Wiltshire, MCK; Pendry, JB; Williams, W, et al. Source: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER Volume: 19 Article Number: 456216 Published: 2007 Title: Sub-wavelength imaging at radio frequency Author(s): Wiltshire, MCK; Pendry, JB; Hajnal, JV Source: JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-CONDENSED MATTER Volume: 18 Issue: 22 Pages: L315-L321 Published: JUN 7 2006 |
Description | Neonatal and fetal imaging |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Department | MRC Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | software, image acquisition methods, image reconstruction methods, significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Data, clinical information, important intellectual contributions |
Impact | 19926413 19564309 18952670 18687746 18051100 18044561 17964459 17919930 17888685 17696128 17633705 17354950 17344066 17174575 16882805 16866579 16675269 16452356 19643922 19526505 18383541 18051039 21087938 20980451 20969966 20879376 19926413 19643922 19564309 |
Description | Neonatal imaging Group |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Department | MRC Clinical Sciences Centre (CSC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Data acquisition methods, experimental hardware development, image reconstruction, data analysis |
Collaborator Contribution | Data, significant intellectual content |
Impact | 19926413 19564309 18952670 18687746 18051100 18044561 17964459 17919930 17888685 17696128 17633705 17606564 17354950 17344066 17174575 17005768 16882805 16866579 16675269 16452356 20971721 20969966 20879376 19926413 19564309 |
Description | Optics - Imperial |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Significant Intellectual Output |
Impact | 19756100 17632634 |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Optics - UCL |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Department of Computer Science |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Significant Intellectual Output |
Impact | 19756100 17632634 |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Philips medical systems |
Organisation | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. |
Department | Philips Research Hamburg |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Data and significant intellectual input |
Collaborator Contribution | Data And Significant Intellectual Input |
Impact | publications that draw on the equipment supplied are: 19658161 |
Start Year | 2006 |
Title | IMAGE DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS |
Description | Method for manging medical image data for clinical trials |
IP Reference | WO2010010403 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | being exploited by UK SME |
Title | Image Data Fraud Protection |
Description | Method for guarding against Fraud in presentation of medical images |
IP Reference | WO2010010404 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | being exploited by UK SME |
Title | Imaging of moving objects |
Description | Method for measuring parameter maps by medical imaging in moving objects |
IP Reference | WO2008135741 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | being exploited by UK SME |
Title | MR Parameter map estimation from moving subjects |
Description | Method to calculate parameter maps from multi slice MR images when the subject cannot stay still |
IP Reference | US2010329528 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | Allows diffusion tensor maps to be calculated for fetal brain in utero |
Title | SNAPIR - T1w fetal imaging |
Description | A method for producing T1 weighted images of the fetal brain, or of other moving subjects |
IP Reference | WO2011015865 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2011 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Provides effective T1 weighted imaging of the fetal brain for the first time |
Title | Scanner data collection |
Description | Automatic Quality Assurance system for use in Magnetic resonance imaging and other medical imaging applications |
IP Reference | US2010260399 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | taken up by UK SME |
Title | Spectally selective parallel transmit |
Description | Parallel Transmit MRI method for achieving robust spectrally selective excitation when there are off resonance effects |
IP Reference | WO2010112941 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Achieves much more robust spectrally selective MR imaging |
Title | Subject specific chemical shift selective MRI |
Description | Method for enhanced imaging of water or fat compartments by MRI making use of parallel transmit technology |
IP Reference | WO2010112941 |
Protection | Patent granted |
Year Protection Granted | 2010 |
Licensed | Commercial In Confidence |
Impact | licensing negotiations with a Dutch company |
Title | Healthcare product for diagnosis of AD |
Description | Spin out company that I co-founded has won TSB award to develop a new healthcare product |
Type | Diagnostic Tool - Imaging |
Current Stage Of Development | Initial development |
Year Development Stage Completed | 2012 |
Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
Impact | early phase of development - product is aimed at significantly improving diagnosis of dementia |
Company Name | IXICO Ltd |
Description | University spin out company that provides imaging services for clinical trials to the Pharmaceutical industry and is now developing a healthcare capability www.ixico.com |
Year Established | 2004 |
Impact | Successful testing of new drugs with promise of better diagnosis methods from new product supported by award from the TSB launched dementia diagnosis product |
Website | http://www.ixico.com |
Description | School lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | School lecture Interest raised in MRI |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |
Description | U3A |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | lecture to University of the 3rd age Increased interest in medical imaging and brain research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007 |